Nassau Bay parks committee advances park upgrades, schedules fall volunteer events; youth proposes astronaut statues
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Summary
A youth presentation and Parks & Recreation updates highlighted plans for new park furnishings, lighting and volunteer events including a fall sweep and a Nov. 7 hands-on volunteer day; no formal council action was taken.
A child presenter urged the city to install astronaut sculptures around Nassau Bay, and the Parks and Recreation committee said it will continue a series of park improvements and volunteer events this fall. The council did not take formal action on the ideas during the Aug. 11 meeting.
The most direct pitch came from Bracen Clueck, who told the council, “Hello. My name is Bracen Clueck. I live on 18639 Cape Charles Lane. And I am sharing a presentation about the NASA Bay Astronaut Statue.” He proposed multiple locations and costume ideas for statues, including City Hall, David Braun Park and Howard L. Ward Park.
Parks and Recreation committee representatives described recent and planned work that affects public use of city parks. “Your parks, and rec committee in keeping Nassau Bay have been very, busy,” a committee member said. The committee reported new fixtures and maintenance: two new blue swings, granite added along the track at Howard L. Ward Park, planned installation of ADA-accessible picnic tables in David Braun Park, garden-arbor lighting at the Garden Club site, ongoing tree trimming and sprinkler repairs, and improvements to park end caps.
The committee also announced two volunteer efforts this fall. Fall Sweep currently has clearance to proceed on Oct. 18; organizers said that date coincides with Halloween in the Park but that the special events committee supports the timing because cooler weather improves volunteer turnout and nursery availability for plants. The committee further reported a “hands on” volunteer visit planned for Nov. 7 coordinated with a local teacher that is expected to bring about 110 students for weeding, mulching, painting and similar projects.
Council members repeatedly praised the astronaut concept and the parks work during member comments, but no motion or funding measure appeared on the meeting agenda to authorize statue procurement or new park spending. City staff and Parks and Recreation organizers said they will continue planning and outreach with the public and with Public Works for installation and maintenance logistics.
The meeting ended with reminders to residents to use parks responsibly and invitations to participate in the volunteer events.